Brrrrr

Fortunately the 10-day forecast is currently looking more normal for this time of year (highs in the mid-40s to low-50s), but the last week has been crazy! Highs in the low-40s, with some ridiculous winds creating feels-like temps up to ten degrees colder, and lows down into the 20s! Typical winter weather, even into December and January, is more like highs in the upper-30s and lows in the low-30s, so this is ridiculous, especially for November. We usually get a week or so of a cold spell of getting down into the 20s, so I'm curious if this is it for the winter, or if it's going to be in addition to the cold spell that usually happens later on.

As I mentioned in last week's workout recap, I've had a hard time not just curling up on the couch during this cold stretch. I don't feel prepared for running in this! I know, I just said we get it every year, but only for a week, maybe two. The rest of the time it tends to get up to at least 40 during the day for most of the winter, and since I'm an afternoon/early evening runner, I get to take advantage of the warmest part of the day.

I finally, however, went and bought a pair of long running tights - previously I had some capris (which I use for perhaps an overly-broad range of temperatures - from about 40* to 70*) and one pair of fleece-lined pants. The problem with the fleece pants is that they're straight-leg, not tapered, so they let cold air in at the bottom; I bought them anyway, last year, because they came in a "short" length. And yet, I still hemmed them anyway (could have used them at the length they came in, but since cold generally equals rain, the bottoms would have touched the ground and gotten gross). 

So though I might still use those if I ever get myself out the door in 20 degree weather (with knee socks underneath to prevent the draft), for the just-slightly-colder-than-typical 30s-ish I bought a standard pair of running tights - compression, tapered, etc. As I tried them on, I was pondering the best way to hem them (it's difficult, at least with my skill level and machine, to preserve a stretchy hem), as they're a few inches too long (well, probably more than that, I suspect they're supposed to be more "ankle" length; but they're about three inches too long to hit right above my shoe). But luckily they're lightweight enough to just scrunch them up at the bottom, and it's not nearly as much of a nuisance as I expected! And I don't care if it looks dorky, cause, hello, I'm already wearing skin-tight, tapered spandex pants. 

I think I was going to have a point to this post, and discuss winter running clothes. Aside from the long tights - which are particularly important around here, because most of the cold is from wind, not absolute cold temperatures, so one tends to not really need fleece or additional warm layers, just something to block direct skin contact from the wind - it's all about layers. I tend to go with a tank top and long-sleeve (which I'll always push up the sleeves at some point on a run, while in sunny spots, even at freezing temperatures). Gloves, which comes off after the first ten minutes or so. Headband is crucial, as my ears are probably the first thing that feels cold and makes me miserable, even more so than my hands being cold. The headband typically stays on for the entire run, even as I'm taking off long sleeves.

Anyhow, enough rambling. What's your must-have winter running item?

Wedding Crap: The Bouquet

(See introduction and disclaimer to this series here, and other posts in the series here.)

What is the tradition? 

The bride carries a bouquet of flowers while walking down the aisle; as does each bridesmaid. During the ceremony, the bride generally hands hers to the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony, so she has her hands free for exchanging rings and such. 

(The bouquet - or a second "toss bouquet" - is often tossed to guests during the reception, but as that goes along with the garter toss, I'll discuss it in a separate post.)

What is the origin of the tradition?

The bride's bouquet began not as bunches of flowers, but bunches of herbs and spice, including dill and garlic. The aromatic bouquets were intended to ward off evil spirits. Eventually it morphed to include flowers, and in the Victorian era each flower was selected for its meaning in the "language of flowers". 

Why do people still follow it?

I think similarly to the dress, a big aspect of it is just it being an unusual extravagance, that can be justified by the Tradition of Weddings, a feeling of participating in a more luxurious existence for a day. 

I've also heard it justified as necessary for the bride to have something to hold, and keep her hands occupied while walking down the aisle, and particularly for the bridesmaid to have something to hold during the ceremony.

Why is that crap?

Actually, in this case, I think it's primarily just a waste of money, more than an indication of a deep-seeded patriarchal issue. Particularly when you've already spent so much money on attire and appearance otherwise, do you really need to add yet another visual element to distract from your expensive look?

Although if women need something to keep their hands occupied - why don't the men?

What am I doing with this tradition?

Nothing whatsoever! No flowers! (Well, it was important to my MIL for the parents to have corsages, so we had those, but nothing else.) We didn't have an aisle to walk down, and during the ceremony we held hands, the microphone, and our notes with what to say. So no need for anything to carry.

Photo by Stephanie Kaloi

How did/will you handle this tradition?

I would love to have a lively debate and conversation in the comments! Please join in!

Dissenting opinions (from the post itself or other commenters) are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete any comments that personally attack me or any other commenter.

Seattle Half Training Week 6 (Peak Week)

Workouts: 

Monday: Easy run 2.3 miles (14:03 pace)

Saturday: Run 4.25 miles (12:18) - aiming for race effort - not all out, less than tempo, but significantly harder than easy.

Sunday: Long run 10.0 miles (13:29 pace)
1- 5: 12:57, 13:13, 13:11, 12:37, 13:16
6 - 10: 14:28, 14:12, 13:43, 13:35, 13:36

Total running: 16.55 miles

Between choosing to relax hard after finishing a work project for a presentation on Tuesday, and the winter weather that's come early, I've gone into serious hibernation mode this week. It's been difficult to peel myself off the couch for anything productive, much less making myself go out into the cold, windy weather to run. I tried my best to make up for the past week during the weekend though! Haven't done anywhere near the amount of speedwork and longer long runs that I planned to do, but still feeling relatively ok about the upcoming race. Now it's taper time!

Conscious Consumerism: Rimmel Mascara [Sponsored by Influenster]

I was given the Rimmel items in this post for free from Influenster for review purposes, but did not receive any additional monetary compensation. Blog posting and other sharing on social media with brand hashtags was encouraged, but not required in exchange for receiving the products. All opinions are my own. See Influenster detailed disclose post here.

I recently received my first box of goodies from Influenster - the #ModaVoxBox. A couple of the items are disposable and/or plastic products that I try not to have in my life - tissues (I do have a box around for guests or occasional extra-gross situations, but generally use handkerchiefs), single-serve hot cocoa, and the bottled water. The hair mask and lotion are things that you can rarely avoid buying in a plastic bottle, so I'm still checking them out to see if they're products I'm really interested. 

The remaining items were make-up items by Rimmel: Rockin' Curves mascara, Moisture Renew lipstick, and Moisture Renew lipliner. (See me wearing all three products on Instagram here.)

I generally stay pretty loyal to my products - once I find something I work, I stick with it. I am, however, currently in the market for a new perfect mascara, so I was intrigued to have the opportunity to try this one.

Of course there are some specific factors I look for in a particular item (e.g., not clumpy for a mascara, non-sticky for a lip gloss), but summing those up in "product effectiveness", the three things I consider when buying something are: 

1. Product effectiveness
2. Readily available in nearby stores (to avoid shipping costs and materials)
3. Packaging (environmental impact)
4. Company responsibility (including animal rights)

Obviously the first three are or become fairly self-evident; the last one I try to confirm on PETA's animal testing list (though the three companies discussed in this post aren't on the list either way; I'm guessing because they're UK based?), and/or on the companies' websites.

For a few years, I had the absolute best mascara: The waterproof version of the Boots maximum volume I'm now trying again - but a couple years ago they completely revamped the line and it's no longer available in waterproof. The current version is good in most other respects, but I really would love to find something equivalent that's waterproof. 

I've tried at least a half dozen other mascaras in the past year. Most recently I bought this Pixi mascara, as the display indicated it was an animal-friendly, eco-friendly brand; it's water resistant, but merely ok in other respects. With this long search in mind, you can imagine I was intrigued to get a chance to try this Rimmel mascara in the Influenster box.

How do these current three options rate? Below are evaluations on the four factors mentioned above, on a scale from 1 to 10. (All are comparable in price - in the $6 - 8 range.)

Rimmel ScandelEyes Rockin' Curves: 
1. Effectiveness: 7. I found the "heart shaped" brush annoying - either I have oddly shaped or sized eyelids, or I just don't know how to use these brushes, but I can't manage to apply it to my entire eyelashes in one swipe, so the marketed ability to target certain parts of the brushes for certain spots just doesn't work. Provides good volume and length. Doesn't appear to be available in a waterproof version.
2. Availability: 10. Found at both Fred Meyer and Target, both regular shopping spots for me, and most other retailers that sell make-up.
3. Packaging: 5. Comes in rigid plastic on cardboard backing. Tube is on the larger side, but it also does contain more product (0.41 oz). 
4. Social responsibility: 7. No animal testing (source), but doesn't make it easy to confirm.
Overall: 7.25

Boots No. 7 Maximum Volume: 
1. Effectiveness: 8. Normal brush. Moist formula. Provides reasonable amount of volume and length. Only real drawback is that it's not available in a waterproof version.
2. Availability: 6. Found only at Target, as far as I can tell (for retail stores; also available online). 
3. Packaging: 8. Comes in a single plastic wrapping, no rigid plastic or box. Tube is a bit on the larger side for how much product (0.23 oz).
4. Social responsibility: 7. No animal testing (source), but doesn't make it easy to confirm.
Overall: 7.25

Pixi Lash Booster: 
1. Effectiveness: 7. Normal brush. A bit dry. Provides reasonable amount of volume and length - just a smidge less than the Boots option. "Water resistant" is a good balance - stays on through watering eyes, but can be rubbed off in the shower without the hassle of actually using makeup remover.
2. Availability: 6. Found only at Target, as far as I can tell (for retail stores; also available online).
3. Packaging: 9. Comes in a cardboard box, no plastic. Smaller tube relative to others with similar amount of product (0.25 oz).
4. Social responsibility: 10 No animal testing (source), and advertise to imply this and make it easy to confirm.
Overall: 8

Overall, I think I'll be sticking with Pixi for the time being, although I definitely am not calling off the search yet for the perfect mascara.

Influenster required disclosure: I received the Rimmel products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Fours

Survey taken from Erin on Sweet Sweat Life.

Four names people call me other than my real name
Meg (relatives)
Pegatha (online)
Fig (Abe)
maw (at work - we sign off workpapers with our initials)

Four jobs I've had
Store clerk at JoAnn's Fabrics
Office assistant at a mental health clinic
Office assistant at the financial aid office at my college
Tax accountant

Four movies I've watched more than once
Back to the Future
In the Land of Women
Clue
Serenity

Four books I recommend*
Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (a pen name of Agatha Christie)
Pastwatch by Orson Scott Card
Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Four places I've lived
I've lived in fewer than four (three, to be precise) cities/metro areas, and many more than four dwelling units or specific towns; but I've lived in exactly four counties:
Asotin County, Washington state
Yamhill County, Oregon
Clackamas County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon

Four places I've been
London

Moscow, Russia

NYC

Sayulita, Mexico

Four places I'd rather be right now
Well, I'm on a comfy couch with my cats and internet access, so I can't complain too much, but I would love to be anywhere that's not freezing outside:
Mexico
Florida
Hawaii
Las Vegas

Four of my favorite foods
Pizza
Ice cream
Bread
Chocolate

Four things I don't eat
Meat
Bread pudding
Avocado
Olives

Four TV shows I watch
Lots of stuff on Netflix, but currently airing shows:
The Daily Show
Bones
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Parenthood

Four things I'm looking forward to this year
New Year's First Run
Continuing triathlon training next summer
Celebrating our first anniversary
Starting TTC

Four things I always say
Non-[  ] (e.g, "Let's go out for non-coffee")
Yeppers
Perfect!
Sure

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First Quarterly Relationship Meeting

Inspired by this post on Offbeat Home & Life (and because I'm an accountant and like lists and goals and agendas), Abe and I decided to hold quarterly shareholder meetings. Basically, the point is to resolve issues - or potential issues - before they become a big deal, and take proactive steps to be constantly improving our marriage. I'm sure this will be even more important when we're balancing our needs with kids, but right now it's really crucial too, as we're still figuring each other out and determining the best way to relate to each other.

We finally had our first meeting yesterday (as we were both at home for the "ice day"). (As this was intended to be three months from our wedding, i.e., October 27, I'm realizing we're both at least a bit prone to procrastination on things like this.) 

A lot of things for this one were merely logistical things related to merging finances and such, like combining car insurance. Others were more emotionally loaded, but I think giving advance notice on the agenda, setting aside a time to talk about it, and then ending the conversation (for now) (i.e., the end of the meeting), provided a helpful venue to discuss them logically, without taking anyone by surprise or being insulted or made to feel inadequate by the topics needing to be discussed. Having a more guided, rather than open-ended, discussion helped us stay on topic and actually accomplish what needed to happen.

We started a shared Google document with agenda items a few weeks in advance, and also added to it during the meeting. I think the general categories will be fairly consistent as we continue our meetings (with "family planning" eventually just being "family" or "children"); it seems to cover the relevant aspects of life in which we need to make joint decisions or join forces on. During the meeting, we established goals for the upcoming quarter, and action items for each of us to take on items discussed.

Agenda Items

• Finances
• Determine amount to spend on charitable contributions for remainder of calendar year 2014.
• Discuss ongoing charitable contributions habits.
• Combine car insurance.
• Set up at least one joint credit card. 
• Relationship
• Satisfaction with sex life.
• Set up some sort of counseling discussions. (Note: we never got around to doing any premarital counseling; we both felt we'd addressed a lot of the common issues via online dating questionnaires and ongoing discussions, so it was never prioritized. But I did want to continue such discussions, especially as we are now looking at having kids and even more important to make sure we're on the same page, or establishing agreeable compromises, in certain areas.)
• Household
• Select wedding and honeymoon photos to print.
• Evaluate division of chores. Is it working for both?
• Community
• Recurring volunteer opportunities to do together?
• Family planning
• What needs to happen/be planned prior to trying to conceive (TTC)?
• Margaret to start on prenatal vitamins
• Review timing spreadsheet with projected cycle dates. (Note: To try to schedule maternity leave as best as possible around my busy season at work, we have a small window for our first attempt at TTC, so this spreadsheet existing isn't quite as OCD is might sound.)
• Start reading books/research about pregnancy, childbirth, and babies. Consider checking out one book per month library to both read?

Goals for upcoming quarter: 

• Have monthly date nights (not with a group or parents/in-laws (much of our social life is hosting game nights and dinners with his parents)).
• Attend tree-planting event in November.
• Have sex X times per week (being a blogger I suppose means one is predisposed to overshare to strangers on the internet, but the specifics of that goal isn't one I'm sharing. :) )

Action items

• Abe: Look into prenatal vitamin requirements and do cost comparisons.
• Margaret: Contact AAA agent for joint insurance options. Add Abe to two specific credit cards.
• Both: Will have two pregnancy books at a time, each reading, making notes, swapping, reading the other, then discuss both.

If you're married or in a long-term relationship, what did you find was the hardest thing in living together or merging life stuff? What's your most important tool to effectively communicate with each other?

I Don't Want to Eat to Live

Today's NaBloPoMo writing prompt was based on the concept of the micromort: a unit of risk measuring a one-in-a-million probability of death. Though more readily applied to instant death scenarios (e.g., skydiving), but can also be used to consider the risks that reduce your life expectancy.

Obviously I've never been, and still am not, living the perfect lifestyle (definitely have a tendency towards laziness and instant gratification that interferes with that!). Over the years, I have, however, increased my desire to develop healthier habits, and have made strides towards accomplishing that. A relaxing day now includes an easy run, not sitting around reading; an enjoyable meal includes a salad in addition to a donut. 

As much I enjoy a bowl of ice cream, or say that my last meal would be french bread and string cheese, I know that it's a problem to "live to eat". Of course there's more to live than just the tangible pleasures of food, and you won't live very long to enjoy those foods if that's really all you focused on.

However, I have people in my life who go to the other extreme. My husband is a fan of Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live*. That book recommends a lifestyle that's exactly what it sounds like: eat foods that have maximum nutrient density (nutrients per calorie). He's (Dr. Fuhrman, and Abe following his advice) all about eating cuploads of kale on a daily basis.

Now, Abe says he enjoys eating kale. And maybe that's true; maybe it always has been, maybe if you eat it you do learn to love it eventually. But the fact of the matter is that, for me, right now, I don't love eating kale. Though I try to fit it in occasionally, it's a burden, not a joy, for me.

Is it worth substituting kale for ice cream? Micromort analysis would tell me to. Not only would it increase my life expectancy in general, but I am dealing with some chronic conditions that would improved by a substantially better diet. But what's the point of increasing your life expectancy if you don't enjoy the prolonged life? Not that ice cream is the end all and be all of enjoying life, but it's certainly an aspect of it! 

There's more to life than just maximizing physical health; even to the extent that physical health has an impact on mental and emotional health (absolutely a relevant factor in things I have like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and depression!), there are plenty of other factors that also affect mental and emotional health. Being able to enjoy the sensations of rich, pleasurable foods is one of them. Not feeling trapped in a box, not keeping a list of things that I have to do everyday against my desires is another. 

It may be a fine line, but I don't believe that eating to live will truly produce a better life than living to eat. You can never mitigate all the risks in live, and you won't be happy while you're trying to do so. Learn to love the balance.

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